BFBS Radio Sitrep cover image

BFBS Radio Sitrep

Defence spending – how much is enough?

Jan 30, 2025
41:21

Donald Trump wants NATO members to spend 5% of their national income on Defence, the UK is years away from meeting half that target.

 

Is 5% a realistic figure, given that we did it back in the cold war, or would that simply be spending money for the sake of it?  Mike does some reality checking, and Kate talks to Labour MP Luke Akehurst who says the current UK ambition of 2.5% should “just be the start of the conversation”.

 

One demand from some who want more spent on Defence is better protection from missiles.  Claire Sadler explains the options, and how far we can or can’t defeat missiles.

 

And after the right-royal row about the renaming of a submarine, from HMS Agincourt to HMS Achilles, we explain who chooses the names of Royal Navy vessels, and how.

 

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner